ironically-named airline P.C. Air claims it's the first in the world to hire openly transsexual flight attendants. When the airline begins flying Asian routes in April, four transsexual people will be among the 30-person cabin crew, Forbes reports. Though Thailand is tolerant of transvestites and transsexuals, who are known as "katoeys" or "ladyboys," they often have difficulty finding jobs outside of the entertainment and beauty industries. Company president Peter Chan, a former flight attendant himself, says, "I think it's time for the Thai society to be more open and support freedom of all sexes."

Despite all the media exposure given to China, it is still something of an exotic place for a gaycation.  It shouldn't be; Beijing is one of the most exciting cities on the planet, and though the gay scene is nothing like Berlin or San Francisco, the fact that there is a gay scene at all comes as a surprise to many of us who have the impression that China is all work and no play.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  Chinese people are among the friendliest in the world and have a good sense of humour.  Much like the Scandinavians, the Chinese appreciate subtle humour and 'get it' when sarcasm is used.  Obviously, then, gay men are considered very funny.

Chile is a popular destination for gay travel trips due to its unique geography, which allows travelers to visit volcanoes, enjoy beautiful beaches, ski or snowboard the Andes and spend a night on the town in Santiagos gay district all in the same day. Chile is a country rich in landmarks and varied landscapes including the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, the penguin colony at Mirador de Chepu, the Easter Island statues, Elqui Valley in La Serena (which is steeped in legends about extraterrestrial activity) and exquisite architecture and churches that dot the cities, countryside and coastline.

Nepal has plans to host the world's highest same-sex "weddings" at Everest base camp. The driving force behind the quest for the 'Pink pound' is Sunil Pant, a member of parliament, the nation's most prominent gay activist and founder of the new Pink Mountain tour company. Tourism is one of the main drivers of Nepal's economy, worth about 350 million US dollars (£230 million) last year, and government officials are determined to double tourism to one million visitors next year.

Developers plan to open the first gay boutique hotel in New York City, hoping to capitalize on a growing trend for gay-oriented tourism. The Out NYC is to be developed just off Times Square in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. In a cheeky swipe at "gay-friendly" establishments, it is billed as the as the city's first "heterofriendly" hotel.

I have spent a total of 10 days over two trips along the coastline and in the hinterland of  Southern Queensland’s Gold Coast region – and I’m convinced it’s the next gay travel hotspot for interstate as well as international visitors.  The place is vibrant!

Using what it calls a “completely unscientific but accurate statistical equation,” the Advocate magazine has compiled a list of the 15 gayest cities in the United States. The point of the ranking is to show how homosexuals are continuing to become a part of mainstream life by demonstrating that their presence has moved beyond large urban hubs like San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.

Nepal is set to legalise gay marriage later this year and will celebrate the change by promoting the country as the gay tourism capital of Asia. Last year, the Supreme Court approved same-sex marriage and the government is expected to begin drafting a law allowing in in the coming months. Next month, a conference will be held to discuss how the country can attract more gay couples.

The Spanish hotelier Axel Hotels will bring its gay hotel chain to New York City in 2011, On Top Magazine has learned. Axel currently operates “hetero-friendly” hotels in Barcelona, Berlin and Buenos Aires, considered the gay capital of South America. Visitors can choose between the typical “do not disturb” sign or the more risky “please disturb.” In an email, Renate Siebenhofer, development director of the hotel chain, confirmed the group's plans to open its fourth five-star hotel in the U.S.

The colours of the coral reef in New Caledonia defy PhotoShop improvements.   Snorkeling on Duck Island in the pristine Anse Vata Bay, I saw underwater rainbows – cheeky fish, green eels, and variegated coral swaying together and displaying their true colours.  Reminded me of Rainbow flags, World AIDS Day posters and a Gay Marriage Celebration flyer I’d seen posted around Noumea on the weekend.  New Caledonia may just well be the new Pearl of the Pacific and the 2010 romantic getaway of choice for lesbian and gay couples. Hurry before it gets discovered!